Lawmakers Celebrate as VA is First State in the South to Legalize Adult-Use Cannabis
This evening, April 7, 2021, the Virginia Legislature voted to legalize adult-use marijuana after a long afternoon of procedure, details, and debate.
The original versions of Senate Bill 1406 and House Bill 2312 had passed in both the House and the Senate at the end of February 2021, but the fate of the bills was uncertain until today.
Democrats and Governor Northam were unhappy with a timeline that would delay legal possession until 2024, and a set of laws that did not effectively address the social justice issues that have been associated with cannabis legalization in recent years.
What the New Adult-Use Legislation Means For VA
Beginning July 1, 2021, adults 21 and over will be allowed to legally possess up to one ounce of marijuana, and they can cultivate their own plants for personal use, whether or not they qualify for a Virginia marijuana card.
Additionally, records for misdemeanor marijuana possession with intent to distribute will begin to be sealed starting on July 1, and they will be automatically expunged no later than 2025. Those with a felony possession with intent to distribute can begin to petition the courts for expungement beginning in 2025 as well.
People who are currently incarcerated for marijuana-related offenses will also be able to request a hearing for resentencing beginning in 2022.
The bill also established the Virginia Cannabis Control Authority to oversee the operation and regulation of the new adult-use market.
What the New Adult-Use Legislation Does Not Mean for VA
Unfortunately, producers and dispensaries will still not be licensed to cultivate, process, or sell adult-use marijuana products until 2024. This means that while adults can possess marijuana and grow their own plants, they cannot legally purchase marijuana anywhere in Virginia unless they have a Virginia marijuana card.
Additionally, there are no employee protections for people who use marijuana, unless it has been recommended by a doctor. That means that if your employer administers a drug test and you fail, you are still subject to adverse consequences unless you have a Virginia medical marijuana card.
The Best of Both Worlds: A Virginia Marijuana Card
Having a Virginia marijuana card means that you can shop at any dispensary in Virginia and purchase medical-grade marijuana at your convenience. Additionally, you can still take advantage of the possession and cultivation laws going into effect this summer.
Get natural relief through cannabis as early as tomorrow, with a Virginia marijuana card. Then grow your own marijuana beginning July 1. Not too shabby for Old Dominion!
Doctors Who Care. Relief You Can Trust.
At Virginia Marijuana Card, our mission is helping everyone achieve wellness safely and conveniently through increased access to MMJ. Our focus on education, inclusion, and acceptance will reduce stigma for our patients by providing equal access to timely information and compassionate care.
Call us at (888) 633-5808, or simply book a medical marijuana evaluation to start getting relief you can trust today!
Check out Virginia Marijuana Card’s Blog to keep up to date on the latest medical marijuana news, tips, and information. Follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram to join the medical marijuana conversation in Virginia!
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